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Topic: Necrophilus Americana, friend or foe? (Read 433 times)

I recently placed a hive in a new location. Soon after (days), I noticed an interesting beetle that looked somewhat like a small turtle. Within a few weeks there are now many of thesecongregating (and mating) near the hive. I found that they are Necrophilus Americana, or the American Carrion Beetle. As their larva consume the dead, I assume they are attracted by the dead bees ejected by the house keepers. They don't seem to be attempting to get up to the hive, just collecting below the entrance. I've also learned these beetles will eat competing beetles and larva to ensure their own larva survive. By the sound of it, these would be great to have around, eating fly larva, and maybe even helping to keep down population of SHB? Anyone have experience with these? Friend or foe?

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